Okay, here we go. Decision made. The following post premiered on January 18 with the title Enjoying the Trip Back Down. To all you wonderful people who stop by on a regular basis, I hope you don't mind reading it again. To any blogfest blog-hoppers stopping by for the first time, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy it.
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Thought for the day: A good attitude is contagious, but for Heaven's sake, don't wait to catch it from somebody. Be a carrier.
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| still smiling after all these years |
But I own a doll proclaiming it, so it must be true, right? Worse, I've already had that darned doll for decades. Got it from one of my friends when I turned forty. To tell the truth, I didn't feel old then, and I don't feel particularly old now. So what if I'm at an age where the pain under a woman's breast may very well turn out to be a bum knee? Who cares if men my age have long since abandoned wild oats in favor of prunes and high fiber cereal, and consider Happy Hour to be a nice long nap?
Tell ya what. If I really AM over the hill, I plan on enjoying the trip back down. Squeeze as much good stuff out of it as I can. After all, like that famous dude said, I may not pass this way again.
But you know, there's a lot of good things to say about getting older. Like we generally have the confidence to stand for more convictions, and the moxie to fall for less malarkey. We may still be competitive, but we also realize that being kind is much more important than being right. We've learned it isn't very smart to test the depth of the water with both feet, and we understand that the true art of conversation isn't just about saying the right thing at the right time. Sometimes, it means keeping our mouths shut when it's oh-so-tempting to deliver a verbal shot.
And hey, hey, hey! Looky here! Our Social Security checks are a little higher this year.
Even though politicians are pontificating about cutting spending, about making changes to social security and medicare, we the people actually got a raise in Social Security benefits this year. See? Congress really DOES love us! Forget all that nonsense about "death panels." There's absolutely NO TRUTH in the following clip, either. None at all.
Now, I'm not ready to take up sky diving or run off a cliff, but hey! I'm as adventurous as I've always been, doggone it. I believe I'll have me a bowl of full-fat strawberry ice cream for dessert tonight. Heck, I might even eat it FIRST. (What a rebel.)
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. Mark Twain
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Sincere thanks to D.L. Hammons for hosting this blogfest.
I don't remember reaching the top of the hill either, but I'm sliding down the other side too. I'm hoping it will be a slower journey, because I'd like time to look around and enjoy the sights. In between naps, that is.
ReplyDeleteTime seems to go so fast these days, I've pretty much given up on the idea of the rest of the trip slowing down any, but I'm determined to make it a helluva ride!
DeleteDidn't mind reading it again at all, Susan. It's so full of vitality and humor...and yes we get a Soc. Sec. raise, 1.7% for 2013. It's because we're getting the hang of retirement and are worth more. Indeed, Deja Vu. You can say that again.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'll take a 1.7% raise. It's sure more than the interest we're getting on our CDs.
DeleteThis is definitely worth a second read. Your insight, humor, and positive attitude is always appreciated. And this was posted at an appropriate time since yesterday was my birthday.
ReplyDeleteI'm not over the hill because I'm too tired to climb it......
HEY! Yesterday was MY birthday, too! How cool is THAT?
DeleteI never liked the Over the Hill jokes and cards. We were forced to celebrate my principal's 60th birthday this week at an afterschool faculty meeting by roasting him. I mean forced, as: it's in our contract to be at those meetings. I could've hid in the bathroom, but I only thought about that afterward.
ReplyDeleteSome of the jokes were funny, but only because they were true and pointing out his faults. I wish people would cut out the aging jokes. What's so undignified about gaining a little wisdom and inching toward retirement?
Over the Hill jokes and cards never bothered me, although I must admit, it feels decidedly peculiar to be sending them to my CHILDREN. (OY!) As far as laughing about getting older, it isn't that we mind the added wisdom, and we sure don't mind getting those Social Security checks, but since we can't do a thing about the infirmities of age, we might as well laugh about them.
DeleteAs a newer follower of yours, this is my first time reading this post. I think that age (cliche warning) is the most meaningless measure of a person. There are 25 year-olds who are "old" and 65 year-olds who are "young". You're only as old as you feel!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Most cliches are cliches because they're so true. I swear, one of my sons is older than I am.
DeleteI love this post and now that I'm receiving that Old Age Security cheque it rings sooooooo true.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Only don't call them "old age" social security checks... they're paybacks for a life well lived.
DeleteYou picked the right one Susan. Being part of the over the hill gang has its perks. I do love and laugh so much more and leave the angst for the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth? I always was a "don't sweat the small stuff" kinda person, but age has intensified the feeling, and considerably expanded my definition of "small stuff".
DeleteGreat choice! *dons Eat Dessert First T-shirt*
ReplyDeleteI gotta get me one of them shirts!
DeleteIce cream for breakfast has always been a personal fave of mine. Great Great post for those of us old enough to need naps at Happy Hour.
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while, my hubby and I go out to get a milkshake for lunch. That's it. Just a milkshake. A BIG one.
DeleteThis is my favorite part: "but we also realize that being kind is much more important than being right."
ReplyDeleteThat's because you're such a sweet lady.
DeleteThis was great! Glad I stopped by and "discovered" you! Loved the YouTube...my husband and I have had conversations with similar scenarios of getting rid of us to save money.
ReplyDeleteHi, Donna. I'm glad you stopped by, too. It feels pretty cool to be "discovered", and much easier this way than signing in front of a panel of judges. That video is a real hoot, isn't it? Hope to hear from you again sometime. The door's always open. So to speak.
DeleteOOOOOPS! That should be "singing", not "signing". DUH!
DeleteLOL! Wonderful, thoughtful, and hilarious post, as always, Susan! I tell ya, I'm not sure I'm over the hill, 'cause I feel like I'm still doing a lot of damn climbing!
ReplyDeleteOf course, for me to be "middle-aged" I'm going to have to live to 104...
But getting older is better than not being around to do it, so I have no problem with the fact my happy hour involves naps. Naps are nice. ;^)
Well, unless we start talking about Biblical longevity here, I'm well over the hill, but that's okay. That just means the journey's downhill the rest of the way, so at least I can get away with doing a little coasting every now and then. Sometimes my legs get tired of all that pedaling.
DeleteDefinitely worth the redo. Never "lite" for me--I always grab the package that delivers the fat. Getting older isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Actually I never really thought about getting "old" and I don't feel much different in my mind than when I was young. Now if only my durn body would go along with that program.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Lee. And you hit the nail smack on the head. In our minds, we can still do all the things we used to do, but in reality? Let's put it this way: when I try to do a cartwheel... well, let's just say it isn't a thing of beauty. The reality is, my grandchildren are doing the things I used to do.
DeleteI don't remember this post, but hey -- it's probably because of the mentalpause because it's hilarious and well written. Maybe I didn't know you when you first posted it? I have no idea how long I've been a follower, but I sure am glad to be one because you are a great leader.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thanks, luv. Glad ya liked it. No need to "follow"... I'm more a fan of side-by-side.
DeleteGreat post! Wise, too. We should all try to enjoy the trip no matter where we are on the hill. And we can only hope that after all the work it takes to get up it, going down the other side might be a little bit easier :-)
ReplyDeleteI had fun stopping by via Deja Vu.
Hi-ya. Thanks for stopping by, and welcome aboard! Oh yeah, going downhill is a lot easier. Faster, anyway.
Delete"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." Mark Twain
ReplyDeleteI'm a cynic so I am believe it's the latter.
No offense, dude, but I don't believe you. (I've read your posts!) Under that cynical exterior beats the heart of an idealist. Kinda like a toasted marshmallow...
ReplyDeleteI am on the top of the hill with a not fat free bowl of chocolate and waiting to do a slip a little at a time. I am OK though I have ice cleats on:) B
ReplyDeleteHmmm, hedging your bets with those ice cleats, huh? I'd kinda like to throw caution to the wind and go barreling down that hill. Maybe. On the other hand, maybe I oughta be trying to slow the descent, huh?
DeleteExcellent post. Glad that you found me and I made my way here. Unfortunately, I do believe it's 'imbeciles who really mean it', but that a whole 'nother story.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you.
Hi-ya. Nice to meet you, too. Welcome aboard. Unfortunately, you could be right about the "imbeciles who really mean it." More's the pity.
DeleteHappy belated birthday and here's to a great ride down the other side of the hill!
ReplyDeleteThanks. So far, so good!
DeleteI can remember back when I was young and foolish, feeling sorry for older people because they had "nothing left to look forward to." How I laugh at myself now. Each year it feels like I have that much more to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteYeah, maturity looks a lot different when you're observing it from a distance than it does up-close and personal.
DeleteThanks for your comment on my blog. I replied. (I almost always do.)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this blog bit - I liked the video and loved the line about "breasts" and "bum knees". Plus, anyone who digs The Duke ('The Quiet Man' & 'McClintock') and can quote Mark Twain, can't be all bad.
But the thing that really sold me was 'Friendly Persuasion'(!) Great movie! And here I thought I was the only person in America who knew it.
OK, I'm 'Following' your blog... for now anyway. Not sure though how long I'll be able to tolerate it: Optimists really depress me!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Optimists depress you, huh? Okay, I'll try to suppress myself so you don't feel inclined to jump off a bridge. YES to "Friendly Persuasion"! The first time I saw it at the movies, I liked it so much, I went back and saw it again the next day. (Back in the days when going to the movies was affordable.) I still watch it whenever it comes on TV.
DeleteNew follower here...saying hello from Deja vu. What a great post...You have such a refreshing and positive attitude about growing young. Nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHi-ya. Welcome aboard. As far as having a positive attitude about getting older, we can't do a thing about it, so we might as well enjoy it. Nice to meet you, too.
DeleteOh I can so relate! I guess we can refuse to go over the hill until we get to the top, but that means we're still climbing. Ack.
ReplyDeleteCould be worse. Remember that kids' song about the bear going over the mountain to see what he could see? (He saw another mountain... ad infinitum.)
DeleteI ask myself once in a while if I could turn back time and be 20 again...and I always say no. There's a lot to lose by doing that, priceless things.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Forty wouldn't be so bad, though. Or fifty. Assuming I'd still know the things I know now.
DeleteWhat hill?
ReplyDeleteWell. I reckon if you've been ridden hard enough, and put up wet enough, even the anthills look like mountains. (Especially if they're fire ants!) If you don't see any hills around you, you must still be out where it's smooth sailing on a placid lake... or in Florida.
DeleteOMGosh Love this posting! I am still laughing at the pain under the breast and bum knee! I think my realization was the day I got my official induction letter into the AARP :) Definitely a new fan of your page!
ReplyDeleteHi-ya. Welcome aboard. Getting that official letter for the AARP is an eye-opener, all right. Now, I get stuff in the mail about nursing homes... and my funeral. (Crap. Talk about a buzz kill.) HA!
DeleteROTFL
ReplyDeleteGreat re-post. I loved this. You have a wonderful sense of humour... and hey, if it's a downhill run, I think we should go out in style... laughing all the way, clutching the strawberry ice cream bowl in one hand...
Nice to meet you! *waving*
Thanks. Glad ya liked it. And you betcha. I don't plan on going out of this world in a rocking chair. Not if I can help it. Maybe a skateboard. On second thought, nah. My family would never allow it. They don't even like it when I jump rope with the grandchildren. (I mean, fall on your arse ONE time...) Nice to meet you, too. ~~Me waving back~~
DeleteYes! I'm going to eat dessert tonight too in honor of you. LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is I'm eating dessert FIRST. And maybe that will even be my meal. :)
ReplyDeleteWoo HOO! You go, girl!
DeleteOK!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the smile, friend.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. After all, you've sure given enough of them to me.
DeleteLots of wisdom in there for those who'll see it. You're a gem, Susan. xo
ReplyDeleteGee, thanks. I've been called a smart ass before, but never a gem.
DeleteWonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThe closer I get to 40, the more annoyed I get with that whole "over the hill" thing. I certainly don't feel old. Like you pointed out, age gives me the freedom to put myself out there in a way I was too afraid to do when I was young. I enjoy life more and worry less.
People may tease you about being over the hill when you hit forty, but trust me, if you spend more time enjoying life than you do worrying about age, you don't have to feel over the hill, even after another forty years.
DeleteSusan: I am your newest follower from the blog fest. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you! Welcome aboard, and I'll be pleased to return the favor.
DeleteAge is all in the mind, although some days my body tries to tell me differently.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, but it's mind over matter, and mind over aches and pains, too!
DeleteI didn't even see the bloody hill. I think I must have gone round it.
ReplyDeleteHA! That might be a little easier on the knees, eh?
DeleteAll I know is now that I'm getting older, I've got stiff joints in places that I didn't even know had joints! Great post and thank you for commenting on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteHi-ya, funny lady. Welcome aboard. I'd like to tell you those stiff joints will get smooth and limber again, but I'm disgustingly honest.
DeleteI really enjoyed this. I'm in my mid thirties and I'd be lying if I said that getting old doesn't bother me. But I do believe getting older can be wonderful, as long as you have people around you that you love and someone special to share your life with.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of good things about getting older, and besides, it beats the alternative, right? Every morning I open my eyes and see that my hubby and I are both still breathing in and out is a good one.
DeleteI love it! Especially the 'enjoying the ride back down'.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteJust as much fun the second time around!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear sir.
DeleteI was highly amused by the pain under the breast being knee pain, ha! Great and spunky post, as always.
ReplyDeleteLate finishing the Deja Vu visiting, as the power went out the other night when I was in the middle of it!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Hi-ya. Glad ya liked it, and sorry about the power going out. Guess you got a "break" from the Internet, whether you wanted it or not, huh? Oh, well, it's kinda nice to watch TV by candlelight every now and then...
ReplyDelete